Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) has trained 97 girls from five clubs in the areas of Traditional Authorities (TAs) Bvumbwe, Nchiramwela, Maggie, Changata and Maganiza in Thyolo district to advocate for peace, combat gender-based violence (GBV) and take on leadership roles in their communities.

The trainings are part of the Progressive Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Among Women and Girls in Rural Communities of Thyolo District project, which seeks to address the persistent challenges of violence, discrimination and exclusion faced by women and girls.

CCDO Executive Director Dalitso Chiwayula reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ending GBV, strengthening peace-building structures and promoting women’s participation in leadership roles in Thyolo.

Chiwayula said this on Friday at the close of a two-day training for 20 girls from TA Maganiza.

“We are deeply concerned about the low participation of women and girls in decision-making. This project seeks to promote their meaningful involvement and ensure that their voices are heard in spaces that shape their lives,” Chiwayula said.

He explained that the two-year initiative, funded by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund through UN Women, began in 2024 and is set to conclude in 2026.

“We are targeting grassroots change by equipping young women with skills in advocacy, conflict resolution, and leadership, ensuring they can influence decisions that affect their communities,” he added.

Thyolo District Principal Gender and Development Officer Gerald Zgyambo described the trainings as crucial especially during the election period, noting their potential to inspire more women to participate in governance.

“We are still recording cases of sexual, economic, and physical violence, but the coming in of organisations like Chipembere is helping to address the vice,” Zgyambo said.

He also highlighted the district’s low female representation in political offices, with only one female councillor out of twelve and one female Member of Parliament out of six.

“However, as a district, we have made progress in other sectors, with more women holding leadership positions in the Prison Service, the Department of Information, the Department of Forestry, among others. 

In forming Area Development Committees (ADCs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs), we’ve ensured a 50:50 gender selection. Encouragingly, 25 aspiring female candidates will contest in the upcoming local government polls, which is a positive sign for women’s political participation,” he added.

One of the participants, Chisomo Mphalasa from Maganiza club, said the training had strengthened their determination to challenge stereotypes and promote women’s leadership.

“We are committed to raising awareness on the importance of placing women and girls in leadership positions because we have the potential to drive positive change. However, the persistent marginalization of women and girls continues to negatively affect development in many areas,” she said.